In the meantime, we continue our important work with outreach programmes and events within the community.

History

Science Alive! was established in 1991, as a science and technology learning and entertainment centre. In 1993, we completed the purchase of the iconic Railway Station building on Moorhouse Avenue.

On 22 February 2011, following a series of earthquakes, the building was evacuated. After the most damaging earthquake in Christchurch’s history, it was later assessed as uninhabitable. Our office/workshop/Science Shop relocated to Coleridge Street in Sydenham. Three weeks after the earthquake, we turned our energy and focus to our Outreach programmes within the community.

In 2016, plans to rebuild a $50 million international science centre in central Christchurch’s new Victoria Quarter were revealed.

It will feature a full dome 3D theatre, which is also a planetarium, a quake gallery with a realistic simulation of the Canterbury quakes, and entertaining interactive experiences for all ages.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said the new centre will contribute to tourism and add to the "international attractiveness" of the city.

"Cities around the world are recognising that science centres not only attract tourists, they also ignite a passion for science in the children who will be our future city leaders."

Science Alive! Exhibits

Since 1999, Science Alive! Exhibits has exported over $7 million of exhibits to science centres throughout the world. We have a reputation as a builder of world class, durable, high quality, innovative exhibits. Science Alive! was also appointed the lead contractor to construct mechanical interactives for Te Papa, The National Museum of New Zealand.

Science Alive! Education

Science Alive! Education provides science and technology outreach programmes to schools in the upper South Island - Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast regions. Approximately 15,000 students per year participate in our hands-on science and technology learning experiences.

Science Alive! Community

Science Alive! Community runs holiday and community programmes, including Science Snippets in libraries. Our popular Under 5 Fest, an event for young children and their families, is held annually. The 2015 first Big Science Day in Cathedral Square attracted over 20,000 people.

The Science Shop

The Science Shop sells an extensive range of products, including science kits, mind-bending puzzles, games and educational toys.